Methods for extracting solute from a source material

ABSTRACT

Methods for extracting solute from a source material are shown and described. The methods each include: depositing the source material in a canister, introducing a solvent, exposing the source material to the solvent to create an extract mixture, communicating the extract mixture to one or more extract containers, separating the solute from the extract mixture by heating the extract containers, collecting the recycled solvent in a solvent collection container, and cooling the recycled solvent within the solvent collection container. In some examples, the one or more extract containers are first and second extract containers that are each selectively coupleable to the canister and are selectively removable for storage of the extract mixture. In some other examples, cooling the recycled solvent within the solvent collection container is carried out via a cooling mechanism coupled to the solvent storage container.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to and is a continuation-in-part ofcopending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/070,972, filed on Nov. 4,2013, which is hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates generally to systems for extractingsolute from source materials. In particular, systems configured toextract essential oils from solid materials are described.

Known extraction systems are not entirely satisfactory for the range ofapplications in which they are employed. For example, many conventionalsystems are unable to simultaneously extract solute from materialsstored in a plurality of distinct containers. Rather, many existingsystems are configured to extract solute from a single container ofsource material.

Extracting solute from a single container produces a bottleneck,requiring the user to wait for extraction to complete before the usercan perform any other task associated with the extraction process. As aresult, conventional systems require a wasteful, inefficient extractionmethodology. Accordingly, there exists the need for a system thatprovides parallelism to overcome such bottlenecks.

Further, many conventional extraction systems do not allow extraction tobe performed in a single, closed loop process that reclaims solvent andre-introduces the reclaimed solvent in subsequent cycles of the system.While some conventional systems allow users to manually reclaim andreuse solvent, this process is time consuming and results in aninefficient reclaim rate.

Further, many systems include no means for reclaiming previously usedsolvent. Because users are unable to reclaim and reuse solvent, suchsystems are wasteful. Further, many solvents include odorants and otherimpurities that may end up in extracted materials. Because thereclamation process may simultaneously purify previously used solvent,systems lacking reclamation functionality may produce a lower qualityend product. Accordingly, there exists the need for a system thatdefines a closed loop with an at least partially automated means forreclaiming and reintroducing solvent used in previous iterations ofextracting solute from a source material.

Additionally or alternatively, there exists a need for cooling reclaimedsolvent to a liquid state prior to collecting the solvent. Liquidsolvent may be more efficiently stored than solvent that is presently agas. As a result, cooling reclaimed solvent to a liquid state prior tocollecting it allows users to more efficiently store reclaimed solvent.Accordingly, there exists a need for extraction systems that coolreclaimed solvent prior to collecting it.

Thus, there exists a need for extraction systems that improve upon andadvance the design of known systems. Examples of new and usefulextraction systems relevant to the needs existing in the field arediscussed below.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure is directed to methods for extracting solute froma source material. The methods each include: depositing the sourcematerial in a canister, introducing a solvent into the canister,exposing the source material to the solvent to create an extractmixture, fluidly communicating the extract mixture to one or moreextract containers, separating the solute from the extract mixture byheating the one or more extract containers, collecting die recycledsolvent in a solvent collection container, and cooling the recycledsolvent within the solvent collection container. In some examples, theone or more extract containers are first and second extract containersthat are each selectively coupleable to the canister and are selectivelyremovable for storage of the extract mixture or the solute. In someother examples, cooling the recycled solvent within the solventcollection container is carried out via a cooling mechanism coupled tothe solvent storage container.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a first example of a system for extractingsolute from a source material.

FIG. 2 is a perspective cutaway view of an example of a detachablecanister included in the system shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view an extract container included in the systemshown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the extract container shown in FIG.3 taken along the line 4-4.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a condenser column shown included in thesystem shown in FIG. 1, the condenser column shown with a front panelremoved to show interior details.

FIG. 6 is a schematic view of a second example of a system forextracting solute from a source material.

FIG. 7 is a flow diagram of a first example method for extracting solutefrom a source material.

FIG. 8 is a schematic view of a third example of a system for extractingsolute from a source material.

FIG. 9 is a flow diagram of a second example method for extractingsolute from a source material.

FIG. 10 is a schematic view of a fourth example of a system forextracting solute from a source material.

FIG. 11 is an isometric view of a cooling mechanism for the fourthexample system for extracting solute from a source material shown inFIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is a flow diagram of a third example method for extractingsolute from a source material.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The disclosed systems will become better understood through review ofthe following detailed description in conjunction with the figures. Thedetailed description and figures provide merely examples of the variousinventions described herein. Those skilled in the art will understandthat the disclosed examples may be varied, modified, and altered withoutdeparting from the scope of the inventions described herein. Manyvariations are contemplated for different applications and designconsiderations; however, for the sake of brevity, each and everycontemplated variation is not individually described in the followingdetailed description.

Throughout the following detailed description, examples of varioussystems are provided. Related features in the examples may be identical,similar, or dissimilar in different examples. For the sake of brevity,related features will not be redundantly explained in each example.Instead, the use of related feature names will cue the reader that thefeature with a related feature name may be similar to the relatedfeature in an example explained previously. Features specific to a givenexample will be described in that particular example. The reader shouldunderstand that a given feature need not be the same or similar to thespecific portrayal of a related feature in any given figure or example.

With reference to FIGS. 1-5, a first example of a system for extractingsolute from a source material, system 100, will now be described. AsFIG. 1 shows, system 100 includes a solvent source container 120, asolvent compressor 130, a detachable canister system 140, an extractcontainer 170, a first pump 101, a second pump 102, a condensing system105, and a solvent collection container 115. System 100 additionallyincludes various valves and fluid lines (defining pipes) that controlthe flow of fluids through system 100 during operation.

System 100 may be particularly adapted for using butane to extractessential oils from plant material. For example, FIG. 2 depicts system100 using butane to extract essential oils from lavender plants. FIG. 2illustrates lavender 91 contained within first detachable canister 150,being exposed to a solvent, defining liquid butane 92, within a canisterof system 100.

As FIG. 2 shows, first detachable canister 150 is configured to storelavender 91 and liquid butane 92 to extract the essential oils from thesource material in an extract solution, containing butane and lavenderessential oil. After a predetermined period of time selected toeffectively extracting essential oil from lavender plant materials,first detachable canister 150 is configured to output the containedextract solution.

After the predetermined period of time, the extract solution is directedto an extract container. The extract container is configured to heat thecontained extract solution above the boiling point of the solvent toseparate substantially purified post-extraction solvent from the extractsolution. The evaporated post-extraction solvent is then stored toreclaim it for later use. After removing the post-extraction solventfrom the extract container, the residual material in the extractcontainer defines a distilled, high-purity essential oil of the sourcematerial.

After the solvent has been used to extract solute from the solvent,system 100 is configured to reclaim the used solvent for later use. AsFIG. 1 illustrates, extract container 170 is connected in fluidcommunication with solvent collection container 115. Extract container170 is configured to separate the solvent from the extracted solute,allowing system 100 to direct and collect the used solvent in solventcollection container 115. System 100 includes several featuresconfigured to increase the reclaim rate of post-extraction solvent,allowing system 100 to use solvent more efficiently than manyconventional extraction systems.

As FIG. 1 shows, solvent source container 120 is connected in fluidcommunication with solvent compressor 130 and in fluid communicationwith solvent collection container 115. As FIG. 1 illustrates, solventsource container 120 includes a source container input 121 and a sourcecontainer output 122. Source container input 121 is configured tofluidly receive solvent communicated from solvent collection container115. For example, first pump 101 and second pump 102 may pump solventcontained in solvent collection container 115 as system 100 proceedsthrough an extraction cycle. Source container input 121 is additionallyconfigured to restrict the passage of fluid back into solvent collectioncontainer 115.

Source container output 122 is configured to direct solvent contained insolvent source container 120 to solvent compressor 130 via a solventsource line 197. By directing fluid to solvent compressor 130, solventsource container 120 introduces the solvent in the current cycle ofsystem 100's extraction process. In some examples, solvent source line197 may include an internal filter. The internal filter may be used toremove impurities in solvent prior to introducing the solvent todetachable canister system 140.

Because solvent source container 120 is configured to fluidly receivesolvent from solvent collection container 115, solvent source container120 may be refilled with post-extraction solvent collected by solventcollection container 115 during previous extraction cycles performed bysystem 100.

By directly reintroducing post-extraction solvent to solvent sourcecontainer 120, system 100 is able to reclaim post-extraction solvent ata high rate. Further, the reclaimed solvent may be of a higher puritythan fresh, commercially sourced butane. Butane often ships with anodorant, such as mercaptan or thiphiane. When using a solvent containingsuch an odorant, the extracted essential oil may include portions of theodorant. This results in a less desirable end product.

In some examples, solvent source line 197 may include a solvent filterwithin its fluid-transmissive interior, thereby passing solvent throughthe filter as it passes from solvent source container 120 to solventcompressor 130. In some examples, the solvent filter may define a 13-Xmolecular sieve configured for membrane filtration of the solvent as itpasses from solvent source container 120 to solvent compressor 130.

Post-extraction solvent that has been processed and reclaimed by system100 may have decreased levels of odorant compared to commerciallyavailable odorant-containing solvents. Accordingly, using reclaimedsolvent may result in a purer, more desirable end product. In somecases, users may run a solvent purification cycle prior to extraction toremove such impurities. Such a solvent purification cycle may includeprocessing and reclaiming commercially purchased butane through system100 one time prior to extraction.

As FIG. 1 shows, solvent compressor 130 is in fluid communication withsolvent source container 120. As FIG. 1 additionally illustrates,solvent compressor 130 is in fluid communication with first pump 101 andsecond pump 102, assuming appropriate valves are open. Solventcompressor 130 is configured to receive solvent from solvent sourcecontainer 120.

Solvent compressor 130 is configured to compress, or “charge,” thereceived solvent. In some examples, the compressor may be electricallypowered, such as by plugging into an electrical outlet 89. In otherexamples, solvent compressor 130 may pressurize solvent using backflowpressure produced by first pump 101 and second pump 102.

In some examples, it is desirable to use a high temperature, liquidsolvent for extraction. Solvent compressor 130 may be used to compresssolvent to an extraction pressure, the extraction pressure selected tomaintain solvent in a liquid state even when exposed to an elevatedextraction temperature. After pressurizing the solvent, solventcompressor 130 is configured to introduce the pressurized solvent intodetachable canister system 140.

As FIG. 1 shows, detachable canister system 140 is connected in fluidcommunication with solvent compressor 130. As FIG. 1 illustrates,detachable canister system 140 includes a plurality of detachablecanisters, including a first detachable canister 150, a seconddetachable canister 163, and a third detachable canister 164. Detachablecanister system 140 is configured to direct solvent from solventcompressor 130 to each detachable canister via a detachable canisterline 181.

Detachable canister system 140 is configured to fluidly receivecompressed solvent from solvent compressor 130. Detachable canistersystem 140 is further configured to direct to extract container 170extract solution produced within attached canisters, the extractsolution including both solvent and solute extracted from sourcematerials contained in the canisters. Detachable canister system 140 isfurther configured to direct to extract container 170 any overflowsolvent output by solvent compressor 130 and not received by adetachable canister.

As FIG. 1 illustrates, detachable canister system 140 is configured todirect fluid from solvent compressor 130 to each detachable canister. AsFIG. 1 shows, detachable canister system 140 includes an input valveassociated with each detachable canister. Each input valve controlsfluid communication between solvent compressor 130 and the associateddetachable canister. When an input valve is opened, solvent compressor130 is configured to communicate contained compressed solvent to theassociated canister.

As FIG. 1 shows, solvent compressor 130 is configured to communicatewith each detachable canister individually. Accordingly, detachablecanister system 140 allows a user to refill a selected canister as oneor more of the other canisters remain closed and to continue extractingsolute from contained source material.

As FIG. 1 shows, detachable canister system 140 is configured to directthe extract solution created in each detachable canister to extractcontainer 170 via an extract mixture line 184. As FIG. 1 shows,detachable canister system 140 includes an output valve associated witheach detachable canister. When an output valve is opened, the associatedcanister is placed in fluid communication with extract mixture line 184.

When placed in fluid communication, the associated canister isconfigured to output an extract mixture to extract container 170 viaextract mixture line 184. A user may use the output valves to direct theextract mixture contained in an associated canister to extract container170. In some examples, first pump 101 and second pump 102 are configuredto cooperatively suck the extract mixture from the associated canistertoward extract container 170.

As FIG. 1 illustrates, detachable canister system 140 additionallyincludes an overflow line 182 in fluid communication with solventcompressor 130, each detachable canister, and extract container 170.Overflow line 182 is configured to direct overflow solvent that does notmake it from solvent compressor 130 to one of the detachable containersafter charging. For example, overflow line 182 may be used to collectsolvent trapped in detachable canister line 181 after filling one of thedetachable canisters with solvent.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example detachable canister, first detachablecanister 150, filled with solvent and source material. In FIG. 2, firstdetachable canister 150 is currently extracting solute from the sourcematerial. As FIG. 2 illustrates, first detachable canister 150 includesa top portion 154, which may be screwingly attached to and detached froma bottom portion 156. When top portion 154 and bottom portion 156 areattached, they define a fluid-tight container configured to storesolvent and source material during extraction.

As FIG. 2 shows, first detachable canister 150 may additionally oralternatively include a top mesh filter 149 and a bottom mesh filter151. As FIG. 2 shows, top mesh filter 149 defines a perimetral gasketsurrounding a mesh filter. The perimetral gasket is made of a food-gradenitrile, allowing first detachable canister 150 to be legally used toextract solute that may be used for food products. As FIG. 2illustrates, top mesh filter 149 is configured to be slidingly insertedinto the top of first detachable canister 150 to prevent sediment frominadvertently backflowing through the input of first detachable canister150. The perimetral gasket is sized to partially compress within firstdetachable canister 150, thus frictionally supporting top mesh filter149 in a substantially fixed position within first detachable canister150.

In some examples, the filter of top filter 149 may define a stainlesssteel 200 mesh filter. In some examples, the gasket portion of topfilter 149 may define fox grade nitrile.

Bottom mesh filter 151 is substantially similar to top mesh filter 149,but is positioned proximate the bottom of first detachable canister 150.Accordingly, bottom mesh filter 151 is configured to prevent sedimentfrom inadvertently flowing through the output of first detachablecanister 150.

Because system 100 includes multiple canisters and each canister isremovable, system 100 is able to extract solute in the connected, filledcontainers as other functions of system 100 continue to operate. Forexample, when one canister is attached and extracting, solventcompressor 130 may charge solvent for a second canister. Further, a usermay be able to load a detached canister as solvent compressor 130charges solvent, providing even greater parallelism.

As FIG. 2 shows, detachable canister system 140 includes, for eachdetachable canister, both an upper canister attachment device 153 and alower canister attachment device 159. Each upper canister attachmentdevice 153 and lower canister attachment device 159 is configured toselectively secure the associated detachable canister. As shown in FIG.2, each upper canister attachment device 153 device includes a handle155, which defines an over-center securing lever configured to be pulledto lock upper canister attachment device 153 in a substantially fixedposition over the top opening of the associated canister. As FIG. 2shows, each upper canister attachment device additionally defines acompressible, fluid tight gasket 157 configured to be compressed againstthe associated canister when upper canister attachment device 153 islocked in a closed configuration. As FIG. 2 shows, upper canisterattachment device 153 may be pulled away and spaced from the associatedcanister when handle 155 being released.

As FIG. 2 shows, lower canister attachment device 159 is configured toslidingly receive the lower opening of an associated canister. As FIG. 2illustrates, lower canister attachment device 159 includes acompressible, fluid tight gasket 157. As FIG. 2 illustrates, a user maymanipulate upper canister attachment device 153 to receive theassociated canister such that the canister is engaged with both gaskets157. When a user pulls handle 155 to position upper canister attachmentdevice 153 in a locked configuration, the both gaskets 157 areconfigured to compress to place the canister in fluid communication withboth solvent compressor 130 and extract container 170. Similarly, bothgaskets are configured to release when handle 155 is released. Whenhandle 155 is released and upper canister attachment device 153 ispulled away from the associated canister, the canister can be slidinglyremoved from lower canister attachment device 159 to be removed fromsystem 100.

As FIG. 1 illustrates, each detachable canister includes a heating pad152 wrapped around its exterior. Each heating pad 152 is configured toreceive electrical energy, such as by being plugged into electricaloutlet 89, to heat the canister around which it is wrapped. Increasingthe temperature can, in many cases, increase solvents' efficacy andefficiency in extracting solute from a source material. The heating padsmay be controlled by an electronic heating pad controller 78, whichconfigures the heating pad to operate at a chosen temperature orintensity.

As FIG. 1 shows, extract container 170 is in fluid communication withdetachable canister system 140, configured to receive extract solutionoutput by the detachable canisters and any overflow solvent transmittedby overflow line 182. As FIG. 4 illustrates, extract container 170includes a container input 172, a container output 174, and a lid 176.Extract container 170 is configured to receive the extract mixtureoutput by the detachable canisters. Extract container 170 is furtherconfigured to separate post-extraction solvent from the extract mixtureand output the post-extraction solvent for reclamation.

Container input 172 is configured to receive extract mixture in a liquidstate from the detachable canisters. For example, FIG. 4 illustratesextract container 170 containing a liquid 72 containing both extractmixture and extracted essential oil. The extract mixture has beencollected from detachable canister system 140 in the current cycle ofsystem 100, whereas the extracted essential oil is the residualessential oil after reclaiming post-extraction solvent from a previouscycle of system 100.

As FIG. 4 shows, system 100 includes features that are configured torestrict fluid from passing back into detachable canister system 140. AsFIG. 4 shows, container input 172 is positioned below the midpoint ofextract container 170. At this point, container input 172 will often bepositioned below collected essential oils. Because container input 172is often positioned within collected liquid, extract container 170directs gas, such as evaporated post-extraction solvent 71, towardcontainer output 174 rather than the submerged container input 172.

Further, container input 172 includes angled open ends 173. The openends 173 prevent liquid from being directed toward lid 176. Bypreventing liquid from contacting lid 176, extract container 170provides a substantially clear view of the liquid contained in extractcontainer 170. Further pump 102 and pump 104 are configured to directfluid toward container output 174 and away from container input 172.

As FIG. 4 shows, container output 174 is configured to direct gas, suchas evaporated post-extraction solvent 71, from extract container 170 tosolvent collection container 115. As FIG. 4 illustrates, containeroutput 174 is positioned above container input 172 and above the top offluid collected in extract container 170. Because container output 174is located in this elevated position, it is positioned to receive gasfrom extract container 170 as fluid remains in extract container 170.Because container output 174 is positioned to primarily receive gas fromextract container 170, extract container 170 is configured to separateevaporated post-extraction solvent from extract mixture while leavingthe extracted essential oils in extract container 170. This results in apure product while reclaiming post-extraction solvent at a high rate.

Extract container 170 defines a pressure pot, configured to retain itsstructure at a wide range of pressure profiles. Namely, extractcontainer 170 is configured to maintain its structure from −30 mmHg ofvacuum pressure to 300 pounds per square inch of positive pressure. Intypical working conditions, the amount of pressure applied to container170 will range from −30 mmHg of vacuum pressure to 150 pounds per squareinch of positive pressure. In particular, extract container 170 willoften be between −30 to 0 mmHg of vacuum when receiving fluid fromextract mixture line 184 and between 0 and 60 pounds per square inch ofpressure when directing fluid to container output 174.

As FIGS. 3 and 4 show, lid 176 is detachably secured to the top ofextract container 170. Lid 176 allows a user to view the contents withincontainer 170 and is made from plexiglass. The thick Plexiglasconstruction of lid 176 provides sufficient rigidity and structuralintegrity to withstand the widely disparate pressure conditions oftenpresent in extract container 170. The lid may be made from any materialconfigured to withstand anticipated operating pressures.

As FIGS. 3 and 4 show, lid 176 is fastened to the main body of container170 by a series of 0.5 inch bolts 177. The bolts are each detachable,allowing lid 176 to be selectively removed. Further, the numerosity andstrength of the bolts provide sufficient structural support to restrictlid 176 from being damaged or unintentionally removed under the pressureconditions typically encountered during operation.

As FIG. 3 shows, lid 176 includes ports through with container output174 and container input 172 are spaced at a distance selected to retainstructural integrity of lid 176 under the pressure conditions typicallyencountered during operation.

As FIG. 1 illustrates, an extract container heating element 178 isthermally coupled with the contents of extract container 170, beingpositioned at the bottom of extract container 170. Heating element 178defines an electrically powered heating pad rated at 500 Watts. Heatingpad 152 is configured to heat the extract mixture to a distillingtemperature to produce an evaporated portion of the solvent in extractcontainer 170. The distilling temperature to which extract container 170is heated is greater than the boiling point of butane and less thantypical essential oil boiling points.

Heating element 178 may be powered by an electrical connection toelectrical outlet 89. Additionally, the temperature or intensity ofheating element 178 may be controlled by an electronic container heatingelement controller 79.

As FIG. 1 illustrates, system 100 includes a pressure release valve 185and pressure release line 187, both in fluid communication withcontainer output 174. Pressure release line 187 is in fluidcommunication with ambient air at a location in which it is safe tooutput flammable fluids. During operation, the pressure of the interiorof extract container 170 may fall outside the bounds of desirableoperating pressures. For example, pressure release valve 185 isconfigured to open pressure release line 187 upon extract container 170exceeding 150 pounds per square inch of positive pressure or negative 30pounds per square inch of vacuum pressure.

As FIG. 1 illustrates, first pump 101 and second pump 102 are connectedin fluid communication with extract container 170. First pump 101 andsecond pump 102 are configured to direct fluid through system 100 in thedirection indicated by arrows 98 and 99 shown in FIG. 1. For example,first pump 101 and second pump 102 are configured to cooperate to directevaporated post-extraction solvent from extract container 170 to solventcollection container 115 over a container output line 188 and a solventcollection line 190. In some examples, a fan may be attached betweenfirst pump 101 and second pump 102 for cooling when system 100 isoperational.

Because system 100 defines a closed loop system, first pump 101 andsecond pump 102 are cooperatively configured to direct fluid at avariety of stages of system 100 as long as any intervening valves areopened. For example, first pump 101 and second pump 102 may beconfigured to cooperate to draw solvent from solvent collectioncontainer 115 to solvent source container 120. Further, first pump 101and second pump 102 are configured to cooperatively communicate at leasta portion of post-extraction solvent evaporated within extract container170 to solvent collection container 115.

Similarly, first pump 101 and second pump 102 may be configured tocooperatively direct extract solution output from the detachablecanisters to extract container 170. In some examples, backflow pressureproduced by first pump 101 and second pump 102 provide some or all ofthe pressure used by solvent compressor 130 to pressurize solvent priorto introducing it to the solvent containers.

First pump 101 and second pump 102 collectively produce a flow ratesufficient to accomplish each of the aforementioned functionalities.Some examples include more or fewer pumps connected in series.Additional pumps may provide additional pumping power, whereas fewerpumps may save on operating costs.

As FIG. 1 shows, solvent collection line 190 is configured to passthrough condensing system 105 between second pump 102 and solventcollection container 115. As FIG. 1 illustrates, condensing system 105includes a coolant pump 104, a first condenser column 107, a secondcondenser column 108, a coolant line 109, a coolant loop line 113, afirst expansion valve 111, and a second expansion valve 112. Condensingsystem 105 is configured to cool post-extraction solvent pumped by firstpump 101 and second pump 102 prior to the solvent reaching solventcollection container 115. By cooling the post-extraction solvent,condensing system 105 allows the post-extraction solvent to be storedand collected as a liquid.

Coolant line 109 includes a coolant defining a refrigerant selected tocool when evaporated. As FIG. 1 illustrates, coolant pump 104 isconfigured to direct the coolant contained in coolant line 109 in thedirection indicated by arrow 96 and arrow 97.

As FIG. 1 illustrates, coolant line 109 is routed through secondcondenser column 108. After passing through second condenser column 108,coolant line 109 splits, with one branch being directed back to coolantpump 104 and the other branch being directed toward first condensercolumn 107. As FIG. 1 shows, coolant line 109 joins coolant loop line113 in fluid communication after passing through second expansion valve112.

Coolant line 109 is configured to absorb heat from the post-extractionsolvent passing through solvent collection line 190 to cool thepost-extraction solvent to a liquid state. Coolant line 109 and coolantloop line 113 additionally cooperate to continuously cool coolant pump104 during operation.

As FIG. 5 illustrates, solvent collection line 190 defines a coiledportion 114 through first condenser column 107. Likewise, coolant line109 defines a coiled portion 116 through first condenser column 107. AsFIG. 5 shows, coiled portion 116 and coiled portion 114 are sufficientlyclose with one another for coolant line 109 and solvent collection line190 to be thermally coupled through first condenser column 107. As FIG.5 shows, first condenser column 107 is filled with a thermallyconductive liquid 106, such as an antifreeze, which encourages rapidheat transfer between coolant line 109 and solvent collection line 190.

As FIG. 1 shows, coolant line 109 is connected in fluid communicationwith coolant loop line 113. Coolant loop line 113 is routed throughsecond condenser column 108 and defines a coiled portion through secondcondenser column 108. Similar to the design of first condenser column107, the coiled portion of coolant loop line 113 and a second coiledportion of coolant line 109 are engaged and thermally coupled with oneanother within second condenser column 108.

As FIG. 1 shows, the hydraulic circuit defined by coolant line 109 andcoolant loop line 113 routes coolant pumped by coolant pump 104 throughtwo expansion valves. Coolant passing through first expansion valve 111in second condenser column 108 expands to vapor or a vapor/liquid mix,which draws heat from the second coiled portion of coolant line 109.This cools coolant line 109, particularly at its second portion. As FIG.1 shows, a portion of this cooled coolant is reintroduced into coolantpump 104, thereby continuously cooling coolant pump 104 duringoperation.

Coolant passing through second expansion valve 112 as it returns tocoolant pump 104 similarly expands to a vapor or vapor/liquid mix, whichdraws heat from solvent collection line 190 and the solvent passingtherein. In many cases, second expansion valve 112 will expand coolantreturning from coolant line 109, which draws heat from solventcollection line 190. This cools the post-extraction solvent passingthrough solvent collection line 190 to a liquid. Cooling the solvent andshifting it to a liquid decreases losses of recaptured post-extractionsolvent and increases the efficiency of solvent collection container 115in storing previously used solvent, thus increasing the recapture rateof system 100.

The coiling of fluid lines through both first condenser column 107 andsecond condenser column 108 increases the surface area throughout whichthe corresponding lines are thermally coupled. By maximizing thissurface area, first condenser column 107 and second condenser column 108are better able to transfer heat between the two paired lines. Further,the coiling of the lines increases the amount of time in which containedfluids are exposed to one another, further increasing the columns'cooling efficiency.

As FIG. 1 illustrates, solvent collection container 115 is connected influid communication with extract container 170 through solventcollection container 115 and solvent source container 120 via a storagecontainer line 194. As FIG. 1 shows, solvent collection container 115includes a collection container input 117 and a collection containeroutput 118. Solvent collection container 115 is configured to collectpost-extraction solvent separated from the distilled solute withinextract container 170 and directed through solvent collection line 190.

Solvent collection container 115 is configured to direct collectedsolvent to solvent source container 120 upon collecting a maximum amountof collected solvent. In some configurations, solvent collectioncontainer 115 is configured to communicate collected solvent uponexceeding its storage capacity. In other examples, solvent collectioncontainer 115 is configured to communicate collected solvent upon thecollected solvent reaching the end of collection container output 118.When the collected solvent reaches the second storage unit output, thesuction force produced by first pump 101 and second pump 102 drawscollected solvent through the second storage unit output to refillsolvent source container 120.

Solvent collection container 115, solvent source container 120, andextract container 170 define volumes that are operatively paired withone another. Extract container 170, solvent source container 120, andsolvent collection container 115 may, at times of operation, beconfigured to receive all of the fluid from the preceding fluidlyconnected elements. Accordingly, solvent collection container 115 andsolvent source container 120 are sized to ensure sufficient storagespace for any post-extraction solvent output by extract container 170.

To ensure sufficient headroom, the combined volume of solvent sourcecontainer 120 and solvent collection container 115 may be equal to thevolume of extract container 170. Likewise, extract container 170 maydefine a volume equal to the combined volume of solvent source container120 and solvent collection container 115 to provide sufficient headroomto be filled with all of the solvent initially contained by solventcollection container 115 and solvent source container 120. In someexamples, one or more of solvent source container 120, solventcollection container 115, and extract container 170 may be sized largerthan needed, which may guarantee sufficient headroom.

Although solvent collection container 115 and solvent source container120 are distinct containers in system 100, this disclosure contemplatesthat a single container could serve as both a solvent collectioncontainer and solvent source container.

Turning attention to FIG. 6, a second example of a system for extractingsolute from a source material, system 200, will now be described. System200 includes many similar or identical features to system 100. Thus, forthe sake of brevity, each feature of system 200 will not be redundantlyexplained. Rather, key distinctions between system 200 and system 100will be described in detail and the reader should reference thediscussion above for features substantially similar between the twosystems.

As FIG. 6 shows, some example systems for extracting solute from asource material may include more than one extract container. Forexample, system 200 includes both a first extract container 270 a and asecond extract container 270 b. It will be appreciated that secondextract container 270 b has a substantially similar configuration tofirst extract container 270 a, and each of extract containers 270 a and270 b have a substantially similar configuration to extract container170 (i.e., having a container inputs 272 a and 272 b, a containeroutputs 274 a and 274 b, a lids 276 a and 276 b, and a heating elements278 a and 278 b).

In this example, second extract container 270 b is coupled to outputline 288 downstream of first extract container 270 a and is in fluidcommunication with first extract container 270 a. In other words, firstextract container 270 a is coupled to detachable canister system 240 viaoverflow line 282 for collection of overflow solvent and extract mixtureline 284 for collection of the extract mixture, while second extractcontainer 270 b is coupled to first extraction container 270 a forcollection of the extract mixture. Further, in this example, overflowline 282 and extract mixture line 284 are both single pathway lines.Alternatively, the second extract container can be in coupled directlyto the detachable canister system, as shown and described in FIGS. 8 and9.

As FIG. 6 illustrates, system 200 further includes additional solventcollection containers, compared to system 100, operatively paired withthe two extract containers of system 200. Namely, system 200 includes afirst solvent collection container 215, a solvent collection container216, and a solvent collection container 217. System 200 additionallyincludes a solvent source container 220. The combined volume of firstsolvent collection container 215, solvent collection container 216,solvent collection container 217, and solvent source container 220 isoperatively paired with the combined volume of first extract container270 a and second extract container 270 b.

With reference to FIG. 7, an example of a method for extracting solutefrom a source material, method 300, will now be described. Some of thesteps of method 300 may be carried out using system 100, or otherdisclosed systems. Accordingly, the discussion of method 300 willreference system 100. Although this disclosure references system 100 inconnection with method 300, method 300 is not required to be carried outon equipment similar to system 100, system 200, or other disclosedsystems.

As FIG. 7 illustrates, method 300 includes depositing a source materialincluding a solute in a canister at step 305, removably attaching thecanister in fluid communication with an extract container at step 310,introducing a solvent into the canister at step 315, and exposing thesource material to the solvent for a predetermined period of time atstep 320, and communicating the extract mixture to an extract containerat step 325. As FIG. 7 shows, method 300 further includes separating therecycled solvent at step 330, cooling the recycled solvent at step 335,collecting the recycled solvent in a solvent collection container atstep 340, and introducing at least a portion of the recycled solventfrom the solvent collection container to the canister at step 345.

As FIG. 7 illustrates, a source material including a solute is depositedin a canister at step 305. In some examples, the source material maydefine plant material from which essential oils may be extracted. Forexample, FIG. 2 illustrates first detachable canister 150 extractingessential oils from contained lavender 91.

In some examples, source material is deposited in a substantiallyfluid-tight canister configured to selectively receive solvent andselectively communicate extract mixture created therein. For example,first detachable canister 150 is substantially fluid tight in a closedconfiguration, but includes an input and output allowing fluid to beselectively input solvent and output created extract mixture.

In some examples, canisters may be configured to be detachably connectedto an extraction system. In some such examples, source material may bedeposited detachable canisters when detached from its associatedextraction system. For example, first detachable canister 150, as shownin FIG. 2, defines a selectively openable canister configured to beselectively attached and detached from system 100. Accordingly, firstdetachable canister 150 allows a user to load it with source materialwhen it is detached from system 100.

Some examples include a plurality of detachable canisters that may beindividually attached and detached from extraction systems. In suchexamples, source material may be placed in one or more of the canisterswhile the other canisters continue normal operation. For example, system100 includes three detachable canisters, first detachable canister 150,second detachable canister 163, and third detachable canister 164. Firstdetachable canister 150, for example, could be removed and filled withsource material as system 100 continues the extraction/reclamationprocess with second detachable canister 163 and third detachablecanister 164.

Some examples may include a detachable canister interface allowingcanisters to be easily detached and reattached. In some examples,detachable canister interfaces are configured to receive the canister tosupport the canister in fluid communication with the solvent sourcecontainer and an extract container. For example, system 100 includesdetachable canister system 140 that allows each of the detachablecanisters to be attached and detached. As FIG. 1 shows, each of firstdetachable canister 150, second detachable canister 163, and thirddetachable canister 164 are placed in fluid communication with solventsource container 120 and extract container 170 when attached.

In some examples, detachable canister interfaces are configured torelease the canister in response to user manipulation. In some examples,such as system 100, detachable canister interfaces allow users to attachand detach canisters without any specific tools or hardware.

As FIG. 7 shows, the canister containing the source material isremovably attached in fluid communication with an extract container atstep 310. By placing the canister in fluid communication with an extractcontainer, the canister is able to communicate created extract mixtureto the extract container. The extract container may then be used tocollect extracted essential oils and separate recycled solvent fromextracted essential oils collected therein.

As previously discussed, some examples include a plurality ofsimultaneously attached canisters. In some such examples, two or more ofthe simultaneously attached canisters may simultaneously be in fluidcommunication with a connected extract container. By placing eachcanister in fluid communication with the extract container, one or morecanisters may simultaneously output contained extract mixture to asingle connected extract container.

As seen in FIG. 7, solvent is introduced into the canister at step 315.In some examples, solvent is introduced into the canister bycommunicating, fluidly, solvent from a solvent source container to thecanister. As previously discussed, some examples may include a pluralityof detachable canisters. This disclosure contemplates introducingsolvent into each canister independently, simultaneously withintroducing solvent into one or more of the other canisters.

In some examples, introducing solvent into the canister includespressurizing a charging portion of the solvent prior to introducing thesolvent to the canister. In some examples, a charging portion of solventmay be pressurized when contained in a solvent compressor as one or moreof the attached canisters contain an extracting portion of solvent beingused to extract solute from the source material. In system 100, forexample, a user may pressurize a charging portion of solvent in solventcompressor 130, designated for first detachable canister 150, as seconddetachable canister 163 and third detachable canister 164 each containan extracting portion of solvent and are extracting solute therewith.

Pressurizing the solvent is often a time-consuming process. Extractingsolute in the canisters is also often time consuming. As a result, theparallelism afforded by pressurizing solvent as other attached canisterscontinue the extraction process efficiently streamlines the pressurizingand extracting steps of disclosed methods.

In some examples, some or all of the solvent introduced into thecanister may include recycled solvent reclaimed from a previous cycle ofthe disclosed methods. As will be discussed more below, some examplesinclude a reclamation methodology that operates alongside disclosedextraction methodologies. By using reclaimed solvent, disclosed methodsmay use solvent particularly efficiently. In some examples, solvent mayautomatically be collected and reintroduced. In some examples, solventcollection and reintroduction may occur simultaneously with other stepsof the disclosed methods. Some examples may collect solvent in aplurality of solvent collection containers, such as system 200.

In some examples, introducing the solvent may include passing thesolvent through a solvent filter as it passes from solvent sourcecontainer 120 to solvent compressor 130. In some examples, the solventfilter may define a 13-X molecular sieve configured for membranefiltration of the solvent as it passes from solvent source container 120to solvent compressor 130.

As FIG. 7 illustrates, the source material is exposed to the solvent fora predetermined period of time at step 320. The predetermined period oftime in which the source material exposed is selected to substantiallymaximize the purity of extracted solvent. In some examples, the sourcematerial and solvent are exposed to heat and pressure conditions thatmay increase the efficiency with which solute is extracted from sourcematerials. Soaking the source material in the solvent within anassociated canister for 3-5 minutes has been found to be a surprisinglyeffective method exposing the source material to the solvent. In someexamples, following the soak with a hydrocarbon wash of the associatedcanister has been found to result in a particularly high quality, pureproduct in subsequent extraction steps performed with that particularcanister.

For example, it may be desirable to extract solute from source materialsat both high temperatures while solvent remains in a liquid state. Thisdisclosure contemplates both heating the solvent when it is exposed tothe source material and pressurizing the contained volume of solvent toa selected pressure to maintain the solvent in a liquid state whenheated. By manipulating the pressure and temperature of the solvent,disclosed methods may extract solute at a higher purity and greateryield per unit of source material than conventional extraction methods.

As shown in FIG. 7, the created extract mixture is communicated to anextract container, the extract container in fluid communication with theextract mixture, at step 325. By communicating the extract mixture tothe extract container, the extract container may collect and storeextract for future use. In some examples, extract containers may beremoved to use or store collected extract.

In some examples, the extract container may define a negative pressureprior to receiving extract mixture. The created extract mixture may becommunicated to the extract container by opening a fluid communicativepath between a canister containing created extract mixture and theextract container. For example, system 100 allows a user to manipulatethe output valve of detachable canister system 140 associated with acontainer containing created extract mixture to open a fluid linebetween the associated canister and extract container 170.

As FIG. 7 shows, the recycled solvent is separated at step 330.Separating the recycled solvent may include including heating thecontainer to evaporate the recycled solvent. Heating the container toevaporate the recycled solvent may include heating the container to asolvent extraction temperature. The solvent extraction temperature ofthe container may be greater than a boiling point of the solvent andless than a boiling point of the solute. By raising the temperature ofthe extract mixture above the solvent's boiling point and below theboiling point of essential oils, the solvent is separated from theextract mixture as a gas. The evaporated solvent may outputindependently of any contained essential oil or other extract.

In some examples, users may discard the contents of an extract containerafter evaporating the recycled solvent. In some examples, the contentsof the extract container may include odorants or other impurities thatmay remain in the extract container after evaporating the recycledsolvent. As a result, the recycled solvent may have increased puritycompared the input solvent. Users may discard these impurities to ensurethat they do not end up in any end product produced by subsequentextraction/reclamation cycles.

In some examples, the solvent may define butane. In such examples,heating the container to evaporate the solvent may include raising thetemperature within the container above butane's sea level boiling pointof about 30.8 degrees Fahrenheit while maintaining the temperaturewithin the container to below typical boiling points of water and/oressential oils.

In some examples, separating the recycled solvent includes receiving theevaporated recycled solvent through a container output opening. In someexamples, one or more fluidly-connected pumps may suck evaporatedrecycled solvent through the container output opening. As previouslydiscussed, this disclosure contemplates extract containers that remainstructurally stable at negative pressures. Attached pumps may beconfigured to extract substantially all of the evaporated recycledsolvent contained in an extract container and leave the extractcontainer with a negative pressure. By leaving the extract containerwith a negative pressure, the pumps additionally prepare the extractcontainer to later receive additional extract mixture from one or moreattached canisters.

In some examples, the evaporated recycled solvent is positioned aboveany liquid extract mixture contained in the extract container. Forexample, extract container 170 includes container output 174 positionednear the top of extract container 170 and above any contained extract.In some examples, users may periodically empty the extract to ensurethat the container output opening remains above any contained extract.For example, the extract container may be removed and contained extractmay be stored in an alternative container. To ensure the containeroutput opening remains above the contained extract, the container may beperiodically emptied prior to the extract container accumulatingsufficient extract to reach the container output opening.

As seen in FIG. 7, the recycled solvent is cooled at step 335. In someexamples, as is seen in system 100, the recycled solvent is thermallycoupled with a solvent for a portion of the time after the recycledsolvent leaves an extract container. In some examples, the recycledsolvent is cooled prior to collecting the recycled solvent in thesolvent collection container.

In some examples, the recycled solvent is directed through a solventcollection line and the recycled solvent is thermally coupled with acoolant along at least a portion of the solvent collection line. In someexamples, the coolant is directed through a coolant line which isengaged with the solvent collection line over at least a portion of itslength. For example, coolant line 109 is configured to carry coolant andis engaged with solvent collection line 190 through first condensercolumn 107. Because solvent collection line 190 is engaged with coolantline 109 and each line is constructed of thermally conductive materialthrough first condenser column 107, coolant line 109 is thermallycoupled with solvent collection container 115 through first condensercolumn 107.

In some examples, the coolant is directed through a fluid-transmissivecoolant loop. The coolant loop may be configured to both output andreceive coolant from the coolant line. For example, FIG. 1 illustratesan example coolant loop line, coolant loop line 113, which is configuredto output and receive coolant from the coolant line at a singlejunction.

The coolant loop may additionally or alternatively define an expansionvalve configured to expand and cool the coolant in the coolant loop.Additionally or alternatively, the coolant loop line may be engaged withthe coolant line over at least a portion of its length, therebythermally coupling the coolant loop and the coolant line over a portionof their lengths. By expanding the coolant in the coolant loop, thecoolant loop includes a coolant that may be cooler than the coolant inthe primary coolant line. By thermally coupling the coolant loop withthe coolant line, the coolant loop may, in effect, cool the coolant inthe coolant line.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example fluid circuit including a coupled coolantloop and coolant line. As previously discussed, coolant line 109 isthermally coupled with solvent collection line 190. As FIG. 1 shows,coolant line 109 is connected to both input and output to coolant loopline 113 at a single junction. Accordingly, system 100 is configured toallow coolant to be directed through coolant line 109 and is configuredto direct at least a portion of the coolant in the coolant line 109through coolant loop line 113.

As FIG. 1 shows, coolant loop line 113 includes first expansion valve111 which is configured to expand and cool coolant contained in coolantloop line 113 prior to directing coolant in coolant loop line 113through second condenser column 108. As previously discussed, coolantloop line 113 is thermally engaged with coolant line 109 through secondcondenser column 108. By expanding coolant contained in coolant loopline 113 and thermally coupling coolant loop line 113 and coolant line109 immediately downstream of this expansion, coolant loop line 113 isconfigured to cool coolant line 109 through second condenser column 108.

As illustrated in FIG. 7, the recycled solvent is collected in a solventcollection container in fluid communication with the extract containerat step 340. In some examples, the solvent collected by the solventcollection container is fluidly communicated from an extract container.In some examples, the recycled solvent is cooled to a liquid state priorto collection in the solvent collection container.

In some examples, collected solvent is automatically output from asolvent collection container upon the solvent collection containercollecting a maximum amount of collected solvent. In some examples, theautomatically output collected solvent is input into a solvent sourcecontainer in fluid communication with the associated solvent collectioncontainer. For example, solvent collection container 115 is configuredto output collected recycled solvent to solvent source container 120upon collecting a maximum quantity of collected recycled solvent.

In some configurations, solvent collection containers are configured tocommunicate collected solvent upon exceeding its storage capacity. Inother examples, solvent collection containers are configured toautomatically communicate collected solvent upon the collected solventreaching the end of a collection container output positioned within thesolvent collection container.

In some examples, collecting the recycled solvent includes displacing,with a pump, evaporated recycled solvent from the extract container tothe solvent collection container. For example, first pump 101 and secondpump 102 are configured to, in certain configurations, draw collectedsolvent from extract container 170 to solvent collection container 115.

In some examples, collecting the recycled solvent includes displacing,with a pump, recycled solvent from solvent collection containers tosolvent source containers or canisters. For example, first pump 101 andsecond pump 102 are configured to, in certain configurations, drawcollected solvent from solvent collection container 115 to solventsource container 120. First pump 101 and second pump 102 may be furtherconfigured to draw reclaimed solvent in solvent source container 120 toone or more connected detachable canisters containing source material.

In some examples collecting the recycled solvent includes sealing thesolvent collection container when the solvent collection containercontains at least a portion of the recycled solvent and detaching thesolvent collection container. In some examples, the solvent collectioncontainer may be sealed when it contains a predetermined quantity of therecycled solvent. Upon being sealed, solvent source containerscontaining reclaimed solvent may be detached and stored for later use.By allowing removal and storage of solvent collection containers and/orsolvent source containers, users may store purified, reclaimed solventfor use in future use. Because of the disclosed purification features,recycled solvent may be of a greater purity than many commerciallyavailable solvents.

In some examples, recycled solvent is collected in an additional solventcollection container in fluid communication with the extract container.Additional solvent collection containers may be useful, for example,when additional or larger extract containers are used, as they mayprovide the increased headroom required when using additional or largerextract containers. In some such examples, the second solvent containermay be operatively paired with the extract container. In some examples,solvent containers and extract containers may be operatively paired bydefining a substantially similar total solvent container volume that isconsistent with or equal to the total extract container volume. System200, for example, includes a supplemental extract container paired witha supplemental solvent collection container.

As shown in FIG. 7, recycled solvent from the solvent collectioncontainer is introduced into the canister at step 345. In some examples,introducing at least a portion of the recycled solvent from the solventcollection container to the canister includes directing at least aportion of the recycled solvent from the solvent collection container toa solvent source container prior to reaching a canister. Byreintroducing recycled solvent, disclosed methods efficiently re-usereclaimed solvent from previous extraction/reclamation cycles. Becauseused solvent is not simply discarded, disclosed methods provide robusteconomic and ecological efficiency.

In some examples, recycled solvent contained in solvent collectioncontainer is displaced into the solvent source container upon thesolvent collection container collecting a predetermined quantity ofrecycled solvent. In some examples, the solvent collection container isconfigured to introduce such received recycled solvent to the canisterin future styles, instead of adding additional solvent. For example,solvent source container 120 is configured to direct new solvent and/orsolvent received from solvent collection container 115 to detachablecanister system 140.

Turning attention to FIG. 8, a third example of a system for extractingsolute from a source material, system 400, will now be described. System400 includes many similar or identical features to systems 100 and 200.Thus, for the sake of brevity, each feature of system 400 will not beredundantly explained. Rather, key distinctions between system 400 andsystems 100 and 200 will be described in detail and the reader shouldreference the discussion above for features substantially similarbetween the three systems.

As FIG. 8 shows, similar to system 200, system 400 includes more thanone extract container. For example, system 400 includes both a firstextract container 470 a and a second extract container 470 b. It will beappreciated that second extract container 470 b has a substantiallysimilar configuration to first extract container 470 a, and each ofextract containers 470 a and 470 b have a substantially similarconfiguration to extract container 170 (i.e., having a container inputs472 a and 472 b, a container outputs 474 a and 474 b, a lids 476 a and476 b, and a heating elements 478 a and 478 b).

In this example, second extract container 470 b is coupled to outputline 488 downstream of first extract container 470 a, however,differently from system 200, second extract container is coupleddirectly to detachable canister system 240 for collection of the extractmixture. In other words, first extract container 270 a and secondextract container 270 b are each distinctively coupled to detachablecanister system 240 for collection of the extract mixture. Specifically,each of first extract container 470 a and second extract container 470 bare coupled to overflow line 482 for collection over overflow solventand extract mixture line 484 for collection of the extract mixture.Thus, overflow line 482 and extract mixture line 484 are split pathwaylines directed by alternate operation of valves.

Accordingly, using system 400, the first and second extract containerscan be releasably coupled to the canisters so that one can collect afirst portion of the extract mixture and be sealed for storage and lateruse, while the other extract container collects a second portion of theextract mixture. Further, the first extract container can be heated toevaporate the solvent from the extract mixture (i.e., a first portion ofthe extract mixture). The first extract container can then be sealed anduncoupled from the system for storage of the purified solute, while thesecond extract container collects the remaining extract mixture (i.e., asecond portion of the extract mixture).

This system has the advantage that the canisters can be switched outwith canisters having a different source material or the source materialwithin the canisters can be changed without disruption to the flow ofthe system. In some examples, the resulting portions of extract mixturecan be isolated in the extract containers and later distilled. In otherexamples, the resulting portions of the extract mixture can bealternatingly purified (via heating within the extract container toevaporate the solvent) while the other extract container continues tocollect solvent, and the extract container containing the purifiedsolute and be sealed and stored. It will be appreciated that the firstand second extract containers can alternatively simultaneously receiveoverflow solvent and/or extract mixture.

As FIG. 8 illustrates, system 400 further includes additional solventcollection containers, compared to system 100, operatively paired withthe two extract containers of system 400. Namely, system 400 includes afirst solvent collection container 415, a solvent collection container416, and a solvent collection container 417. System 400 additionallyincludes a solvent source container 420. The combined volume of firstsolvent collection container 415, solvent collection container 416,solvent collection container 417, and solvent source container 420 isoperatively paired with the combined volume of first extract container470 a and second extract container 470 b. It will be appreciated thatadditional extraction containers and/or solvent collection containerscan be added to the system in order to scale the system as desired.

FIG. 9 shows an example method 500, which is a method for extractingsolute from a source material using system 400. Method 500 includes manysimilar or identical steps to method 300. Thus, for the sake of brevity,each step of method 500 will not be redundantly explained. Rather, keydistinctions between methods 500 and 300 will be described in detail andthe reader should reference the discussion above for featuressubstantially similar between the two methods.

As described above, some of the steps of method 500 may be carried outusing system 100, or other disclosed systems. Accordingly, thediscussion of method 500 will reference system 100. Although thisdisclosure references system 100 in connection with method 500, method500 is not required to be carried out on equipment similar to system100, system 200, system 300, or other disclosed systems.

As FIG. 9 illustrates, method 500 includes depositing a source materialincluding a solute in a canister at step 505, removably attaching thecanister in fluid communication with an extract container at step 510,introducing a solvent into the canister at step 515, and exposing thesource material to the solvent for a predetermined period of time atstep 520, similar to steps 305-320 of method 300. Differently frommethod 300, at step 525 a first portion of the extract mixture iscommunicated to the first extract container, the first extract containeris sealed and uncoupled from the canister at step 530, and a secondportion of the extract mixture is communicated to the second extractcontainer at step 535. As FIG. 9 shows, method 500 further includesseparating the recycled solvent at step 540, cooling the recycledsolvent at step 545, collecting the recycled solvent in a solventcollection container at step 550, and introducing at least a portion ofthe recycled solvent from the solvent collection container to thecanister at step 555, which are substantially similar to steps 330-340of method 300.

As described above and shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, a first portion of theextract mixture is communicated to first extract container 470 a, thefirst extract container being in fluid communication with detachablecanister system 440, at step 525. By communicating the first portion ofthe extract mixture to the first extract container via a first pathwayin extract mixture line 484, the extract container may collect theextract mixture. Extract container 470 a can then be sealed and detachedfrom system 400 to store the first portion of the extract mixture forfuture use, at step 530. A second portion of the extract mixture canthen be communicated to and collected in second extract container 470 bvia a second pathway in extract mixture line 484, at step 535. It willbe appreciated that the first portion of the extract mixture in thefirst extract container can be distilled via heating to separate thesolvent from the solute prior to sealing and uncoupling of the firstextract container for storage of the purified solute rather than storageof the extract mixture.

In some examples, the one or more of the extract containers may define anegative pressure prior to receiving extract mixture. The extractmixture may be communicated to the extract containers by opening a fluidcommunicative path between a canister containing extract mixture and theextract container. For example, system 100) allows a user to manipulatethe output valve of detachable canister system 140 associated with theextract containers to alternatively or simultaneously open a fluid line(i.e., extract mixture line 484) between the associated canister andextract container 170 a and 470 b.

Turning attention to FIG. 10, a fourth example of a system forextracting solute from a source material, system 600, will now bedescribed. System 600 includes many similar or identical features tosystems 100, 200, and 400. Thus, for the sake of brevity, each featureof system 600 will not be redundantly explained. Rather, keydistinctions between system 600 and systems 100, 200, and 400 will bedescribed in detail and the reader should reference the discussion abovefor features substantially similar between the four systems.

As FIG. 10 shows, similar to system 100, system 600 includes system 100includes a solvent collection container 618, a solvent source container620, a solvent compressor 630, a detachable canister system 640, anextract container 670, a first pump 601, a second pump 602, a condensingsystem 605, and a solvent collection container 615. System 100additionally includes various valves and fluid lines (defining pipes)that control the flow of fluids through system 100 during operation. Itwill be appreciated that the above listed components of system 600 havea substantially similar configuration and function to a solventcollection container 118, solvent source container 120, a solventcompressor 130, a detachable canister system 140, an extract container170, a first pump 101, a second pump 102, a condensing system 105, and asolvent collection container 115, respectively, of system 100.

Differently than system 100, system 600 further includes a coolingmechanism 700. Cooling mechanism 700 is coupled to solvent collectioncontainer 618 and solvent source container 620. In alternate examples,the cooling mechanism can be coupled to one of the solvent collectioncontainer and the solvent source container. The cooling mechanism isconfigured to cool the solvent (e.g., the recycled solvent) within thesolvent source container. In one example, the cooling mechanism enclosesthe solvent collection container and the solvent source container.Further, in one example, the cooling mechanism is configured to maintainthe solvent at a temperature below a boiling point of the solvent.

As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, cooling mechanism 700 includes a chamber702 in which solvent collection container 618 and solvent sourcecontainer 620 are disposed. Chamber 702 is enclosed by a plurality ofcoiled freezing tubes 704. Freezing tubes 704 are coupled to acompressor pump 706 via an intake line 708 including an expansion valve710 and an outtake tube 712. As shown in FIG. 11, intake line 708 iscoupled to an intake manifold 714 and outtake line 712 is coupled to anexhaust manifold 716.

Accordingly, the compressor pump is fluidly coupled to the coolingmechanism and is configured to deliver and/or circulate a coolantthrough the freezing tubes in order to maintain the solvent and/orrecycled solvent within the desired temperature range. Maintaining thesolvent at a low temperature has the advantage that it remains in aliquid form during storage.

FIG. 12 shows an example method 800, which is a method for extractingsolute from a source material using system 600. Method 800 includes manysimilar or identical steps to methods 300 and 500. Thus, for the sake ofbrevity, each step of method 800 will not be redundantly explained.Rather, key distinctions between methods 800 and methods 300 and 500will be described in detail and the reader should reference thediscussion above for features substantially similar between the threemethods.

As described above, some of the steps of method 800 may be carried outusing system 100, or other disclosed systems. Accordingly, thediscussion of method 800 will reference system 100. Although thisdisclosure references system 100 in connection with method 800, method800 is not required to be carried out on equipment similar to system600, system 100, system 200, system 300, or other disclosed systems.

As FIG. 12 illustrates, method 800 includes depositing a source materialincluding a solute in a canister at step 805, removably attaching thecanister in fluid communication with an extract container at step 810,introducing a solvent into the canister at step 815, exposing the sourcematerial to the solvent for a predetermined period of time at step 820,communicating the extract mixture to an extract container at step 825,separating the recycled solvent at step 830, cooling the recycledsolvent at step 835, and collecting the recycled solvent in a solventcollection container at step 840, substantially similar to steps 305-340of method 300.

Differently from method 300, at step 845, a cooled temperature of therecycled solvent in maintained in the solvent collection container. Asdescribed above, a cooling mechanism coupled to the solvent sourcecontainer, such as cooling mechanism 700, can be used to maintain therecycled solvent at a desired temperature range. In one specificexample, the solvent is butane and the desired temperature range isbelow a boiling point of butane. As FIG. 12 shows, method 800 furtherincludes introducing the recycled solvent from the solvent collectioncontainer to the canister at step 850, which is substantially similar tostep 345 of method 300.

As described above and shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, a first portion of theextract mixture is communicated to first extract container 470 a, thefirst extract container being in fluid communication with detachablecanister system 440, at step 525. By communicating the first portion ofthe extract mixture to the first extract container via a first pathwayin extract mixture line 484, the extract container may collect theextract mixture. Extract container 470 a can then be sealed and detachedfrom system 400 to store the first portion of the extract mixture forfuture use, at step 530. A second portion of the extract mixture canthen be communicated to and collected in second extract container 470 bvia a second pathway in extract mixture line 484, at step 535.

The disclosure above encompasses multiple distinct inventions withindependent utility. While each of these inventions has been disclosedin a particular form, the specific embodiments disclosed and illustratedabove are not to be considered in a limiting sense as numerousvariations are possible. The subject matter of the inventions includesall novel and non-obvious combinations and subcombinations of thevarious elements, features, functions and/or properties disclosed aboveand inherent to those skilled in the art pertaining to such inventions.Where the disclosure or subsequently filed claims recite “a” element, “afirst” element, or any such equivalent term, the disclosure or claimsshould be understood to incorporate one or more such elements, neitherrequiring nor excluding two or more such elements.

Applicant(s) reserves the right to submit claims directed tocombinations and subcombinations of the disclosed inventions that arebelieved to be novel and non-obvious. Inventions embodied in othercombinations and subcombinations of features, functions, elements and/orproperties may be claimed through amendment of those claims orpresentation of new claims in the present application or in a relatedapplication. Such amended or new claims, whether they are directed tothe same invention or a different invention and whether they aredifferent, broader, narrower or equal in scope to the original claims,are to be considered within the subject matter of the inventionsdescribed herein.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A method for extracting solute from asource material, the method comprising: depositing the source materialhaving a solute in a canister; introducing a solvent into the canister;exposing the source material to the solvent to create an extract mixturehaving the solute in solution with the solvent; fluidly communicatingthe extract mixture to one or more extract containers, the one or moreextract containers being in fluid communication with the canister;separating the solute from the extract mixture to define a recycledsolvent by heating the one or more extract containers to evaporate therecycled solvent; collecting the recycled solvent in a solventcollection container in fluid communication with the one or more extractcontainers; and cooling the recycled solvent within the solventcollection container.
 2. The method for extracting solute from a sourcematerial of claim 1, wherein the one or more extract containers comprisea first extract container and a second extract container, and thecanister is releasably coupled to each of the first extract containerand the second extract container.
 3. The method for extracting solutefrom a source material of claim 2, further comprising selectivelycoupling the first extract container to the canister for fluidlyreceiving and collecting a first portion of the extract solution.
 4. Themethod for extracting solute from a source material of claim 3, furthercomprising selectively uncoupling the first extract container from thecanister and sealing the first extract container for storage of one ormore of the first portion of the extract solution and a first portion ofthe purified solute.
 5. The method for extracting solute from a sourcematerial of claim 4, further comprising selectively coupling the secondextract container to the canister for fluidly receiving and collecting asecond portion of the extract solution.
 6. The method for extractingsolute from a source material of claim 5, further comprising selectivelyuncoupling the second extract container from the canister and sealingthe second extract container for storage of one or more of the secondportion of the extract solution and a second portion of the solute. 7.The method for extracting solute from a source material of claim 1,wherein heating the one or more of extract containers to evaporate thesolvent comprises heating the one or more extract containers to asolvent extraction temperature, the solvent extraction temperature ofthe container being greater than a boiling point of the solvent and lessthan a boiling point of the solute.
 8. The method for extracting solutefrom a source material of claim 7, wherein collecting the recycledsolvent comprises displacing, with a pump, the recycled solvent in vaporform from the one or more extract containers to the solvent collectioncontainer.
 9. The method for extracting solute from a source material ofclaim 1, wherein the solvent storage container further comprises acooling mechanism coupled to the solvent storage container for coolingthe recycled solvent.
 10. The method for extracting solute from a sourcematerial of claim 9, wherein the cooling mechanism comprises a coiledfreezing tube fluidly coupled to a compressor pump and configured toreceive a coolant.
 11. The method for extracting solute from a sourcematerial of claim 10, further comprising circulating the coolant throughthe coiled freezing tube to cool and maintain a temperature of therecycled solvent.
 12. The method for extracting solute from a sourcematerial of claim 1, wherein the recycled solvent is maintained atemperature below a boiling point of the solvent.
 13. The method forextracting solute from a source material of claim 1, wherein the sourcematerial is a plant material and the solute is an essential oil.
 14. Themethod for extracting solute from a source material of claim 1, whereinthe solvent is butane.
 15. A method for extracting a solute from asource material, the method comprising: exposing the source material ina canister to a solvent to create an extract mixture having the solutein solution with the solvent; communicating the extract mixture to oneor more extract containers, the one or more extract containers in fluidcommunication with the canister; separating the solute from the extractmixture to define an evaporated solvent by, heating the one or moreextract containers to evaporate the solvent; cooling the evaporatedsolvent to a temperature below the boiling point of the solvent todefine a recycled liquid solvent; collecting the recycled liquid solventin a solvent collection container in fluid communication with the one ormore extract containers, the recycled liquid solvent being stored in thesolvent collection container as a liquid; and maintaining a temperatureof the recycled liquid solvent within the solvent collection container.16. The method for extracting solute from a source material of claim 15,wherein the temperature of the recycled liquid solvent within thesolvent collection container is maintained via a cooling mechanismcoupled to the solvent collection container.
 17. The method forextracting solute from a source material of claim 16, wherein thecooling mechanism comprises a coiled freezing tube configured to receiveand circulate a coolant for maintaining a temperature of the recycledliquid solvent below a boiling point of the solvent.
 18. A method forextracting solute from a source material, the method comprising:depositing the source material having a solute in a canister;introducing a solvent into the canister; exposing the source material tothe solvent to create an extract mixture having the solute in solutionwith the solvent; fluidly communicating the extract mixture to one ormore extract containers, the one or more extract containers being influid communication with the canister; separating the solute from theextract mixture to define a recycled solvent by heating the one or moreextract containers to evaporate the recycled solvent; and collecting therecycled solvent in a solvent collection container in fluidcommunication with the one or more extract containers, wherein the oneor more extract containers comprise a first extract container and asecond extract container, and wherein the canister is releasably coupledto each of the first extract container and the second extract container.19. The method for extracting solute from a source material of claim 18,further comprising selectively coupling the first extract container tothe canister for fluidly receiving and collecting a first portion of theextract solution, and selectively uncoupling the first extract containerfrom the canister and sealing the first extract container for storage ofone or more of the first portion of the extract solution and a firstportion of the solute.
 20. The method for extracting solute from asource material of claim 19, further comprising selectively coupling thesecond extract container to the canister for fluidly receiving andcollecting a second portion of the extract solution, and selectivelyuncoupling the second extract container from the canister and sealingthe second extract container for storage of one or more of the secondportion of the extract solution and a second portion of the solute.